i love theÂ endearing qualities (and taste of course)Â of old-fashioned sweet treats. some places that make them have fascinating tales of their beginningsÂ too.Â this gorgeous, buttery, handmadeÂ toffee, from colorado’s enstrom family, comes from a family recipe that’s over a half century old andÂ is a great example of both.

chet enstrom began his career as a soda jerk in colorado springs. after he got married, he moved out to grand junction and opened an ice cream company, and at the same timeÂ it grew and thrived, so did his passionate hobby of candy making. at the urging of his friends and relatives, he and his wife vernie started enstrom’s candy in 1960.Â the company has been making these great confections ever since.

the company remains in the family to this day, run by third generation grandchildren and their spouses. in addition to toffee, they also offer truffles, mint meltaways, toffee popcornÂ and fudge.